This day, as Leon was hosting another secretive, sin-filled party. As always, only those with exclusive invitations could attend.
The splendid hall was filled with a haze of white smoke, as a result of various exotic plants being burned. The effects varied depending on the combination of ingredients. The one floating around the room was a powerful stimulant that would take guests to paradise in the shortest amount of time. With the addition of strong alcohol, everyone at the party was in a highly drugged state.
“Look at Lady Serena over there. She received an invitation and came.”
Leon turned his gaze towards the young woman. His eyes raked over the curves of her body and her innocent appearance, which made only made her a more appealing target for him.
“Of course. What bitch ever refuse my invitation?”
At Leon’s arrogant tone, the nobles seated next to him began to agree quickly.
“You’re right.”
“I’m already excited. First, the Second Prince will enjoy her, and then pass her on to us.”
It was a common form of entertainment among Leon’s group of friends. He would invite a young woman who had been pointed out to him, and he and his group would take turns violating her.
The aftermath didn’t concern Leon—the victim was usually scared and covered up the incident herself, but if she tried to reveal the truth, he could simply use his family name. While all those present were children of powerful members of society, no one was more powerful than the one backed by Empress Madelyn. As such, invitations from Leon were coveted by those young nobles who wanted power, and because of this, secrets usually didn’t leak out.
Leon tipped his mouth upward in a grin.
“You know I don’t sleep with the same woman twice anyway. I’ll throw her over to you after.”
“Yes!”
At that moment, Serena stood up, stumbling like she was drunk. The white smoke in the air was also affecting her as well.
Leon, sensing that it was showtime, stood up with a leery smile.
“Let’s go, then.”
Leon narrowed his distance to Serena with a confident gait, when—
Belkeog!
The door to the hallway burst open. To the shock of the guests, dozens of knights poured through the entrance and began to surround the room. Leon let out a scream of rage.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?! How dare you come here!”
His question was answered by the last man who entered through the doorway. He had black hair and cold blue eyes, and the perfect noble features that captured everyone’s attention.
“What is this? Is this your filthy lair?”
It was Oliver.
Leon eyes widened at Oliver’s sudden entrance.
“O-Oliver…!”
Oliver gave a dark chuckle of amusement.
“How rude that you don’t address me as elder brother.”
Leon’s mouth twisted into a sneer.
“Yes, brother, how did you know about this place? I don’t know where you got the information, but do you really think you can arrest me?”
Oliver gave a languid reply to sneering Leon’s remarks.
“Correct.”
Leon blinked as if he misheard.
“…What?”
Oliver, however, did not have any interest in speaking to him anymore. He commanded the knights in a low voice to prevent anyone escaping.
“Arrest everyone.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The knights began to move in on the party guests, and there were shrieks of horror as the young nobles were seized. Leon whirled at Oliver in an unsuppressed rage.
“Don’t think my mother will stay still if you dare arrest me!”
“Of course she won’t stay still. I don’t want her to.”
An enigmatic smile played on Oliver’s face.
“Take them all away.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The knights shouted in unison, then dragged the nobles away. Leon and his group caused a commotion as they struggled to fight back, but eventually they were overwhelmed by the trained knights.
As the room began to clear, Oliver narrowed his eyes at the rising smoke from the burned incense.
“Take those.”
At his command, the remaining knights began to carry away the evidence.
This was the first step of Oliver’s plan to destroy the Empress.
And this was the first trap.